Testing the Effect of Cue Consistency on the Past Behavior-Habit-Physical Activity Relationship.

Behavior performed in the presence of consistent cues is a core element for successful habit development, with the repeated presence of consistent cues facilitating the activation of automatic responses in future. Yet, little is known about the effects of different cue types on habit. Using a two-wave prospective PLS-SEM model with a sample of 68 undergraduate students, we assessed the mediating effects of habit on the past-behavior-to-physical-activity relationship, and how the mediating effects of habit were moderated by the consistent presence of different forms of cues. Habit mediated the effects of past behavior on physical activity, with a significantly stronger mediating effect of habit in those reporting undertaking physical activity at the same time of day, doing the same activity, and in the same mood. Consistent place, people, and part of routine did not moderate the effects of habit. The results provide formative evidence for a key assertion of the habit theory that consistent contextual and internal cues are a cornerstone of habitual development and action, but they also indicate the importance of examining different forms of cues and their impact on the formation and enaction of habits as some cues may be more relevant than others.

Identifying key beliefs underlying QR code check-in and compliance behaviours in the COVID-19 pandemic.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: The implementation of quick response (QR) code check-in compliance behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic featured in infection control strategies in several global jurisdictions, but was of particular interest in the Australian context, where it became mandated on a nationwide scale. We aimed to identify the salient beliefs people hold toward complying with the QR code check-in using a Theory of Planned Behaviour belief-based framework. METHODS: An elicitation study using open-ended questions (Queensland; N = 93, Mage = 4.77 years, SD = 13.62 and Victoria; N = 76, Mage = 44.92 years, SD = 11.63) and a prospective correlational study using a two-wave online survey (Queensland; N = 290, Mage = 38.99, 46.6% female and Victoria; N = 290, Mage = 38.27, 53.4% female) were conducted. RESULTS: Qualitative data were coded through an iterative content analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using linear multiple regression. Behavioural, normative and control beliefs were associated with intention and behaviour in both samples. Variation in beliefs across the states also were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Across both samples, beliefs in positive outcomes consistently exhibited stronger associations with both intention and behaviour than the reported negative outcomes. Distinct differences emerged between the two samples in terms of regression effects. SO WHAT?: Results indicate individual experience may affect the beliefs which guide behaviour, supporting the potential efficacy of health promotion campaigns tapping into context specific beliefs and experiences if QR code check-in is to be implemented as an infection control measure in future.

Can the Cans: Determinants of Container Deposit Behavior before and after Introduction of a Container Refund Scheme.

OBJECTIVE: Container deposit schemes are often hailed as a useful avenue to increase consumer recycling rates. Yet, there is little research investigating within-person changes in people's beliefs and behavior following the implementation of these schemes, or tests of the mechanisms by which such change has occurred. METHODS: The current study fills this knowledge gap and assessed container recycling behavior and habits as well as the social cognition factors of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions in a sample of 90 Queenslanders before the implementation of the container deposit scheme and one and three months post-implementation. RESULTS: Analysis of variance indicated more frequent recycling behavior following the implementation of the scheme, as well as stronger habits, intentions, and perceived behavioral control. CONCLUSIONS: Such a concomitant change in behavior, beliefs, and habits provides support for behavior change theory, while also flagging potential targets for strategies that can be paired with container deposit schemes to enhance their efficacy and uptake.

Testing the moderative role of automatic-reflective affect divergence in predicting physical activity.

Dual process theories postulate that behaviour is the product of two distinct cognitive systems, the automatic and reflective, and that congruence/divergence between the two types of cognitions can influence the predictive strength of either system on behaviour. However, the congruence/divergence hypothesis has yet to experience strong empirical support. The aim of this study was to test a novel dual process model to determine the moderating effect of affect divergence on the relationship between automatic affective evaluations-affective judgements, and physical activity. A sample of 315 university students recruited from an undergraduate research pool completed the Affective Misattribution Procedure and Affective Exercise Experiences Questionnaire, followed by a measure of physical activity behaviour one week later. A path analysis revealed a significant moderation effect such that the predictive strength of affective judgements was stronger when participants' automatic affective evaluations and affective judgements were congruent. Findings support current dual process theory and contributes to calls for more interventions, such as evaluative conditioning that target automatic processes alongside consciously held beliefs.

Using an integrated social cognition model to identify the determinants of QR code check-in compliance behaviors in the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Australia, checking in while entering venues was a legal requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic to track potential infection sites. This two-wave correlational study used an integrated theory of planned behavior model including moral norms, anticipated regret, and habit to predict check-in compliance in a sample of 181 Victorians (Mean Age = 41.88, 56.4% female) and 162 Queenslanders (Mean Age = 43.26, 47.5% female). Habit and intention predicted behavior, while perceived behavioral control did not. Intention was predicted by baseline habit, attitude, subjective norm, and moral norm in the Victorian sample, while only baseline habit and moral norm predicted intention in the Queensland sample. This study has potential implications for reviewing previous strategies and for future pandemic preparedness, both by identifying the drivers of infection control compliance, and through the discussion of how differences in effects between states may be linked to each state's experience of the pandemic (e.g. infection rates, lockdown length).

Predicting sugar intake using an extended theory of planned behavior in a sample of adolescents: The role of habit and self-control.

INTRODUCTION: High levels of sugar intake are associated with multiple maladaptive health outcomes in adult and younger populations. Identifying the psychological determinants of sugar intake in adolescents, and the processes involved, may help identify potentially modifiable targets and inform intervention development. We tested the predictions of an extended theoretical model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), which specified social cognition constructs, habit, and self-control as correlates of sugar intake in an adolescent sample. METHODS: Adolescents aged 12 to 14 years (N = 88) recruited via a survey panel company and consenting to participate in the study completed online self-report measures of constructs from the TPB alongside measures of habit and self-control. One month later, participants completed a follow-up measure of free-sugar intake. Hypothesized effects of our proposed extended model were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. RESULTS: We found statistically significant effects of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on sugar intake intentions. We also found significant effects of habit and self-control on sugar intake measured at follow-up, but no effect for intention. Perceived behavioral control moderated the intention-behavior relationship such that intention effects on behavior were larger when perceived behavioral control was high. However, self-control did not moderate the intention-behavior relationship. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that sugar intake in this sample was a function of habits and self-control, and the effect of sugar intake intentions was conditional on perceived behavioral control. Results contribute to an evidence base of determinants and associated processes that relate to sugar intake in adolescents and may signal potentially modifiable targets for intervention.

Creating Implicit Measure Stimulus Sets Using a Multi-Step Piloting Method.

The effect of arbitrary stimulus selection is a persistent concern when employing implicit measures. The current study tests a data-driven multi-step procedure to create stimulus items using a combination of free-recall and survey data. Six sets of stimulus items were created, representing healthy food and high sugar items in children, adolescents, and adults. Selected items were highly representative of the target concepts, in frequent use, and of near equal length. Tests of the piloted items in two samples showed slightly higher implicit measure-behavior relations compared to a previously used measure, providing preliminary support for the value in empirically based stimulus selection. Further, the items reported as being the most associated with their target concepts differed notably from what one may expect from the guidelines or population consumption patterns, highlighting the importance of informed stimulus selection.

Reciprocal relations between past behavior, implicit beliefs, and habits: A cross-lagged panel design.

The current study assessed cross-lagged relationships between binge drinking, implicit beliefs, and habit in undergraduate university students (N = 105). Students completed self-report survey and implicit measures in lab visits 3 months apart. A structural equation model revealed cross-lagged relations between habit and behavior, and some evidence for a reciprocal relationship between implicit beliefs and habit. Implicit beliefs were related to alcohol behavior across time, but no cross-lagged relationship was observed. Findings provide preliminary support for recent advances in habit theory, suggesting that implicit beliefs and habit may develop in tandem or even share common knowledge structures and schemas.

Dual processing approach to sedentary behavior and physical activity in the workplace.

Regular physical activity is an important health promoting behavior. Yet, many adults live sedentary lifestyles, especially during their workday. The current study applies an extended theory of planned behavior model, incorporating affective attitudes and instrumental attitudes, along with habit, to predict limiting sedentary behavior and physical activity within an office environment. Theory of planned behavior constructs and habit were assessed with an online survey on a sample of 180 full-time office workers, with self-reported behavior assessed 1 week later (Mage = 25.97, SDage = 10.24; 44 males, 134 females, and 2 nonbinary). Model fit was indicated by BRMSEA (M = 0.057, SD = 0.023), B γ^ (M = 0.984, SD = 0.010) and BCFI (M = 0.959, SD = 0.026), accounting for 46.1% of variance in intention, 21.6% of variance in sedentary behavior, and 17.4% of variance in physical activity behavior. A Bayesian structural equation model revealed direct effects of instrumental attitudes and perceived behavioral control on intention to limit sedentary behavior, direct effects of intention and perceived behavioral control on limiting sedentary behavior, and direct effects of perceived behavioral control and habit on engaging in physical activity. The current study indicates intentions to be active in the office are primarily driven by beliefs about the benefits of activity and individuals' perceived level of control, rather than normative or affective beliefs. As behavior was predicted by both intention and habit, findings also indicate office-based activity is likely not always a consciously driven decision. These findings may have implications for improving activity levels in this highly sedentary population.

A cross-lagged model of habits, implicit attitudes, autonomous motivation, and physical activity during COVID-19.

Although the relationship between autonomous motivation and impulsive processes has been acknowledged in the context of physical activity, the directionality of this relationship is not clearly understood. The COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to investigate such relationships due to the fact that contextual changes brought about by government restrictions (e.g., stay at home orders, indoor gymnasium closures) may have influenced people's physical activity habits and motivation. The purpose of this study was to therefore investigate the bi-directional relationships between physical activity and previously established correlates: autonomous motivation, implicit attitudes, and habit. A sample of university students completed measures that assessed autonomous motivation, implicit attitude, habit and behaviors towards meeting physical activity guidelines each week during the coronavirus period at two time points, two weeks apart in a cross-lagged panel design. Path analysis found a significant reciprocal relationship between habits and autonomous motivation. There were no significant reciprocal relationships between autonomous motivation and implicit attitude, or with any study constructs and behavior. Current findings provide important preliminary formative evidence of associations between autonomous motivation and impulsive behavioral correlates, indicating a bi-directional relationship between autonomous motivation and physical activity habits.

Unravelling reciprocal effects among young adults' binge drinking, stress, and anticipated regret.

Problematic alcohol consumption represents a critical risk to young adults' mental and physical health (WHO, 2018). As a result, understanding negative consequences that stem from young adults' binge drinking and inter-related factors that may mitigate increases in binge drinking has much to offer scholars and practitioners. In the current study, a two-wave random intercept cross-lagged panel design was used to examine the reciprocal inter-relations among stress, anticipated regret, and binge drinking within a lab-based study of young adults (N = 109, Mage = 19.85). Within-person findings indicated that high life stress and low anticipated regret predicted subsequent increases in binge drinking three months later, accounting for between-person stability in these constructs. All told, findings point to life stress as a robust predictor of increased binge drinking, and anticipated regret as a protective factor associated with reductions in binge drinking among young adults. Given that anticipated regret signalled subsequent drinking reductions, future research should consider ways to foreground anticipation of regret as a protective factor mitigating binge drinking increases.

Evidence That Habit Moderates the Implicit Belief-Behavior Relationship in Health Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Theory suggests that implicit beliefs are more likely to be associated with spontaneous, impulsive health behaviors (e.g., smoking, snacking), while controlled, consciously accessible beliefs are more likely to be associated with behaviors that require deliberation and reasoned decision-making (e.g., physical activity, healthy food selection). Consistent with these predictions, we proposed that as behaviors become habitual, they require less deliberation to enact and are thus more likely to be controlled by non-conscious processes, as indicated by stronger associations with implicit beliefs. The present study tested the moderating effect of habit on the effects of implicit beliefs on two health behaviors. METHOD: Two samples of university students completed measures of attitude, habit, and implicit beliefs for free-sugar intake (sample 1) and heavy episodic drinking (sample 2) at an initial time point, with follow-up behavioral measures taken at 2 and 4 weeks later, respectively. RESULTS: Path analyses indicated that attitude and habit predicted behavior in both samples, and habit moderated the implicit belief-behavior relationship in both samples. The effect of implicit beliefs on behavior was larger among participants reporting strong habits. Implicit beliefs did not moderate the effect of explicit attitudes on behavior. CONCLUSION: Findings provide preliminary evidence that experiencing health behaviors as habitual is associated with a stronger implicit beliefs-health behavior relationship.

Social Psychological Predictors of Sleep Hygiene Behaviors in Australian and Hong Kong University Students.

BACKGROUND: Sleep hygiene behaviors in undergraduate students are associated with night-time sleep duration and quality, daytime sleepiness, and psychological distress. This study aimed to identify the social psychological factors that impact on university students' sleep hygiene behaviors in samples from two countries. METHOD: Participants were undergraduate students from Australia (N = 201, MAge = 22.82, SDAge = 8.89; 165 female) and Hong Kong (N = 161, MAge = 20.47, SDAge = 7.80; 84 female). The study used a correlational-prospective design. Individuals self-reported their intention, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and past behavior with respect to sleep hygiene behaviors. Four weeks later, the students self-reported their action plans and participation in sleep hygiene behaviors. RESULTS: Analysis indicated acceptable model fit to data for both the Australian and Hong Kong samples. Results showed significant direct effects of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and past behavior on intention, and significant direct effects of action planning and past behavior on prospectively measured sleep hygiene behavior. There were also significant indirect effects of attitude, subjective norms (Hong Kong sample only), and perceived behavioral control on behavior mediated by intention and action planning. Overall, the model predicted a large portion of the variance in sleep hygiene behavior for both the Australian (R2 = .524) and Hong Kong (R2 = .483) samples. Schenker and Gentleman t tests found no parameters significantly differed between samples. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that university students' sleep hygiene behaviors are a function of both motivational and volitional processes. This formative data can inform future interventions to improve the sleep hygiene practices of university students.

Predicting limiting 'free sugar' consumption using an integrated model of health behavior.

Excess intake of 'free sugars' is a key predictor of chronic disease, obesity, and dental ill health. Given the importance of determining modifiable predictors of free sugar-related dietary behaviors, we applied the integrated behavior change model to predict free sugar limiting behaviors. The model includes constructs representing 'reasoned' or deliberative processes that lead to action (e.g., social cognition constructs, intentions), and constructs representing 'non-conscious' or implicit processes (e.g., implicit attitudes, behavioral automaticity) as predictors of behavior. Undergraduate students (N = 205) completed measures of autonomous and controlled motivation, the theory of planned behavior (TPB) measures of explicit attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intentions, past behavior, implicit attitude, and behavioral automaticity at an initial point in time, and free sugar limiting behavior and behavioral automaticity two weeks later. A Bayesian structural equation model indicated that explicit attitude, subjective norms, and PBC predicted behavior via intention. Autonomous motivation predicted behavior indirectly through all TPB variables, while controlled motivation predicted behavior only via subjective norms. Implicit attitudes and behavioral automaticity predicted behavior directly and independently. Past behavior predicted behavior directly and indirectly through behavioral automaticity and intentions, but not implicit attitudes. Current findings suggest pervasive effects of constructs representing both reasoned and non-conscious processes and signpost potential targets for behavioral interventions aimed at minimizing free sugar consumption.